Controversial Ohio politician Clement Vallandigham was also a highly successful lawyer who rarely lost a case.
In 1871, he defended Thomas McGehan, accused of the murder of Tom Myers. Vallandigham argued that Myers had accidentally shot himself while drawing his pistol from a kneeling position.
To convince the jury, Vallandigham demonstrated his theory. Unfortunately, he used a loaded gun by mistake and fatally shot himself. Vallangigham’s death was not in vain. He succeeded in demonstrating the plausibility of accidental shooting and his client was acquitted.
